Basic: Digital Camera Controls

This course is designed for anyone who would like to know more about how their digital camera works, and how to use exposure controls. It is ideal for beginners who have used digital cameras in fully automatic mode, and those who want to fill in gaps in their knowledge.

Instruction will combine discussion, examples, hands-on practice, and readings.

Students will make photos to learn the controls a few at a time, and share their work in class to discuss the results.

To better understand the many possibilities of this amazing medium, some examples from familiar genres along with historical and contemporary art will be provided.

The course is somewhat intensive so be prepared to learn a lot in a relatively short time.

What you will learn:

• The difference between the various camera modes (Program, Shutter / Time Value, Aperture Value, and Manual).

Please note that this course will not include instruction in any digital post processing such as in Photoshop or Lightroom. Please plan to present JPGs as captured in camera.

• How sensors work and what your camera’s processor does.

• How lenses work, and how Focal Length affects an image.

• When to apply Exposure Value Compensation to get a suitable tonal range.

• What a Gray Card is.

• How to choose Shutter Speed to stop action and reduce camera blur, or to obtain special effects.

• How to control Depth of Field with Aperture, Focal Length, and Focal Distance.

• How we see color and how digital cameras process it.

• How White Balance adjusts color in different kinds of natural and artificial light.

• What ISO is and how it can affect an image.

• What image noise is and ways to control it.

Informative notes and readings will be provided. These will include links to images and sources online.

For this course you will need:

• camera with adjustable shutter, aperture, ISO and EV controls, and manual focus.

• suitable memory card (two or more would be best) and batteries.

•. an hour or more / week to spend on readings, which include work by artists for inspiration.

• several hours or more / week to plan and make photos.

• means of keeping notes.

• means of joining the class meetings in zoom.

• Flickr account for photo-sharing, the free version is fine.

• means of uploading JPGs.

Some other accessories such as a gray card and a tripod might be useful, but are not required

If you have questions or would like to see the course materials, contact pagecarr@gmail.com